System And Method For Effectively Performing A Remote Control Configuration Procedure

ABSTRACT

A system and method for effectively performing a remote control configuration procedure includes a settop box that receives electronic programming from a program source and a television that is configured to reproduce the electronic programming. A remote control device controls various functionalities of the television over an RC-TV communications link. The remote control configuration procedure is coordinated by the television and a configuration server to allow the remote control device to also control various functionalities of the settop box over an RC-STB communication link. The television and the configuration server support a user-friendly interactive procedure to automatically determine and provide certain settop-box control information for adding appropriate settop-box control functions to the remote control device during the remote control configuration procedure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 11/717,324, entitled “System And Method ForEffectively Performing A Remote Control Configuration Procedure,” filedon Mar. 13, 2007. This related application is commonly assigned, and ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to techniques for controllingelectronic devices, and relates more particularly to a system and methodfor effectively performing a remote control configuration procedure.

2. Description of the Background Art

Implementing effective methods for controlling electronic devices is asignificant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic systems. However, effectively controllingelectronic devices may create substantial challenges for systemdesigners. For example, enhanced demands for increased controlfunctionality and device performance may require more operating powerand require additional hardware resources. An increase in power orhardware requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimentaleconomic impact due to increased production costs and operationalinefficiencies.

Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advancedcontrol operations may provide additional benefits to a system user, butmay also place increased demands on the control and management ofvarious system components. For example, an enhanced control system thateffectively controls digital television systems may benefit from anefficient implementation because of the large amount and complexity ofthe digital data involved.

Due to growing demands on device control functionality and substantiallyincreasing data magnitudes, it is apparent that developing newtechniques for controlling electronic systems is a matter of concern forrelated electronic technologies. Therefore, for all the foregoingreasons, developing effective techniques for providing appropriatedevice-control functionality remains a significant consideration fordesigners, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for effectively performing a remote control configurationprocedure. In one embodiment, a television system includes a television(TV), a settop box (STB), a configuration server, and a remote control(RC) for controlling the television. In accordance with the presentinvention, the remote-control configuration procedure may beautomatically performed to advantageously reconfigure the remote controlwith additional functionalities for also controlling the settop box.

Initially, a remote control configuration mode is entered in response toany predefined configuration trigger event. For example, a remotecontrol configuration procedure may be automatically triggered when thetelevision system is initially installed. Alternately, remote controlconfiguration procedures may be manually triggered by a system user inresponse to any appropriate event or occurrence, such as theintroduction of a different settop box into the television system.

An RC configuration module of the television automatically connects tothe configuration server by utilizing any appropriate techniques. Forexample, the television may transmit a network login communication,including an Internet Protocol (IP) address, to the configurationserver. An RC configuration manager of the configuration serverresponsively reads the IP address of the television, and then accesses alocale lookup table to determine a specific locale (approximate physicallocation) for the television based upon its corresponding IP address.

The RC configuration manager of the configuration server next accesses avendor lookup table to determine one or more probable vendors for theparticular settop box, based upon the locale of the television. The RCconfiguration manager of the configuration server then notifies the RCconfiguration module of the television regarding the probable vendor(s)of the settop box. The RC configuration module of the televisionresponsively displays one or more simple leading questions on a localdisplay to allow a system user to interactively confirm the actualvendor of the particular settop box in a non-demanding and user-friendlymanner. The system user confirms the actual vendor of the settop box byutilizing any effective means. For example, the system user may utilizethe remote control to respond to the vendor question(s) presented uponthe television.

The RC configuration module of the television confirms the actual vendorof the settop box to the RC configuration manager of the configurationserver. The RC configuration manager responsively accesses an STB-modellookup table to determine appropriate STB model information for thedifferent possible settop boxes based upon the vendor informationpreviously provided by the television. The STB model information mayinclude any relevant types of information. For example, the STB modelinformation may include model numbers and digital images for thedifferent types of settop boxes supported by the vendor at that specificlocale.

The RC configuration manager of the configuration server uploads the STBmodel information to the television. In response, the RC configurationmodule of the television displays the received STB model information,and also displays one or more simple leading questions to allow thesystem user to interactively confirm the actual model of the settop boxin a non-demanding and user-friendly manner. For example, in certainembodiments, the television may display, either sequentially orsimultaneously, digital images of the different types of settop boxescurrently supported by the vendor at that specific locale.

The system user may then confirm the actual model of the settop box inany effective and appropriate manner. For example, in certainembodiments, the system user may utilize the remote control to simplyselect the displayed digital image that resembles the settop box of thetelevision system. The RC configuration module of the television thenconfirms the actual model of the settop box to the RC configurationmanager of the configuration server. The RC configuration managerresponsively accesses a control-information lookup table to determineappropriate STB control information for the identified model of thesettop box model. The STB control information may include any relevanttypes of information. For example, the STB control information mayinclude, but is not limited to, specific control codes to supportvarious functions of the particular settop box.

The RC configuration manager of the configuration server uploads theappropriate identified STB control information to the television whichmay then responsively provide the received STB control information tothe remote control by utilizing any appropriate transmission techniquesor methods. For example, the television may transfer the STB controlinformation to the remote control by utilizing low-speed or high-speedradio-frequency transmissions. In certain embodiments, the televisionmay alternately transfer the STB control information to the remotecontrol by utilizing any effective Near-Field Communication (NFC)techniques or possibly infrared (IR) communication techniques.

A RC configuration controller of the remote control may then utilize thereceived STB control information to advantageously update remote controlfunctionalities of the remote control to thereby support controllingboth the settop box and the television. Finally, the system user mayutilize the updated remote control functionality to effectively controlthe settop box. For at least the foregoing reasons, the presentinvention thus provides an improved system and method for effectivelyperforming a remote control configuration procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a television system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the television of FIG.1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the TV memory of FIG. 2,in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the remote control ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the RC memory of FIG. 4,in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the configuration serverof FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the server memory ofFIG. 6, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an RC function GUI, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 9A through 9C present a flowchart of method steps for performing aremote control configuration procedure, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in remote controlsystems. The following description is presented to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is providedin the context of a patent application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may beapplied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein.

The present invention is described herein as a system and method foreffectively performing a remote control configuration procedure, andincludes a settop box that receives electronic programming from aprogram source and a television that is configured to reproduce theelectronic programming. A remote control device controls variousfunctionalities of the television over an RC-TV communications link. Theremote control configuration procedure is coordinated by the televisionand a configuration server to allow the remote control device to alsocontrol various functionalities of the settop box over an RC-STBcommunication link. The television and the configuration server supporta user-friendly interactive procedure to automatically determine andprovide certain settop-box control information for adding appropriatesettop-box control functions to the remote control device during theremote control configuration procedure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a television system 110 isshown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Inthe FIG. 1 embodiment, television system 110 may include, but is notlimited to, a remote control (RC) 114, a television (TV) 118, a settopbox (STB) 126, a configuration server 142, and a program source 146. Inalternate embodiments, television system 110 may be implemented usingcomponents and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain ofthose components and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 1 embodiment.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, remote control 114 is implemented to provideappropriate control functionalities for utilizing television 118 in anoptimal manner. However, in accordance with the present invention,remote control 114 may be advantageously configured through a remotecontrol configuration procedure to also control the operation of settopbox (STB) 126 in an effective and efficient manner. The inconvenienceand confusion potentially caused by requiring multiple different remotecontrol devices to operate television system 110 is thus alleviated,while still retaining optimal control functionalities to fully supportvarious enhanced options and operational modes for television 118.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, remote control 114 may bi-directionally andwirelessly communicate with television 118 via RC-TV link 122 byutilizing any appropriate communication techniques. For example, incertain embodiments, remote control 114 may provide low-speed controlinformation to television 118 by utilizing infrared (IR) transmissiontechniques. In addition, in certain embodiments, remote control 114 andtelevision 118 may directly communicate with each other over RC-TV link122 by utilizing appropriate low-speed or high-speed radio-frequency(RF) transmission techniques to transfer any desired types of electronicinformation.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, remote control 114 may also bi-directionallyand wirelessly communicate with STB 126 via STB-RC link 134 by utilizingany appropriate communication techniques. For example, in certainembodiments, remote control 114 may provide low-speed controlinformation to STB 126 by utilizing infrared (IR) transmissiontechniques. In addition, in certain embodiments, remote control 114 andSTB 126 may directly communicate with each other over RC-STB link 134 byutilizing appropriate radio-frequency (RF) transmission techniques totransfer any desired types of electronic information.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, STB 126 may be implemented as any type ofelectronic device to perform any desired types of functions fortelevision system 110. For example, STB 126 may include, but is notlimited to, a cable television settop box and/or a satellite televisionsettop box. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, STB 126 typically receiveselectronic content from a program source 146 or other appropriate entityvia path 136. STB 126 may then provide the electronic content totelevision 118 via STB connection 130.

In accordance with the present invention, program source 146 may includeany appropriate functionalities or entities. For example, program source146 may include, but is not limited to, a cable broadcasting networkand/or a satellite broadcasting network. In addition, the foregoingcontent may include, but is not limited to, entertainment programming,movies, video data, audio data, digital photographs, still image data,graphics, web pages, program guide information, video games, and varioustypes of software programs.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, television 118 may be coupled through theInternet 138 (or other connecting entity) to a configuration server 142that provides various types of configuration support and configurationfunctionalities for automatically performing a configuration procedureto flexibly configure remote control 114. For example, in certainembodiments, appropriate RC configuration information may beautomatically determined and provided to remote control 114 throughtelevision 118 and RC-TV link 122 to thereby allow remote control 114 toadvantageously expand its control functionality to include STB 126.

In certain embodiments, the foregoing remote control configurationprocedure may be performed in a user-friendly manner by implementingtelevision system 110 to automatically perform most of the configurationprocedures without direct involvement by the system user. For example,in certain embodiments, user input during the remote controlconfiguration procedure may be limited to answering a minimal number ofsimple leading questions after being prompted by a user interfacedisplayed on television 118. In certain embodiments, the foregoingquestions may be limited to easy yes/no questions whose answers areeither “yes” or “no.”

The FIG. 1 embodiment of the present invention is described in thecontext of STB 126 and television system 110. However, the concepts andprinciples of the present invention may be readily applied to anysuitable type of electronic devices or systems that are remotelycontrollable. Various techniques for optimally configuring remotecontrol 114 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8through 9C.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 television 118 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inalternate embodiments, television 118 may include components andconfigurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of thosecomponents and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2embodiment.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, television 118 includes a TV centralprocessing unit (TV CPU) 214 that may be implemented to include anyappropriate and compatible microprocessor device (includingsystem-on-chip (SOC) architectures). In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TV CPU214 preferably executes software instructions from one or more softwareprograms to thereby control and manage the operation of television 118.In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TV memory 218 may be implemented to includeany combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limitedto, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and varioustypes of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks or hard disks. In theFIG. 2 embodiment, display 222 may be implemented in any effectivemanner to display appropriate visual information for television 118.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, television 118 includes a TV communicationmodule 226 that cooperates with TV CPU 214 to perform and coordinatevarious types of bi-directional wireless and wired communicationsbetween television 118 and other entities. The FIG. 2 embodiment alsoincludes a series of TV input/output interfaces that TV communicationmodule 226 may utilize to receive and/or transmit any required types ofinformation. For example, in the FIG. 2 embodiment, the TV input/outputinterfaces include, but are not limited to, an infrared (IR) interface230, a low/high-speed radio frequency (RF) interface 234, aHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 246, an Internet interface240, a settop box (STB) interface 244, and a TV Near-FieldCommunications (NFC) module 250.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TV communication module 226 may utilize IRinterface 230 to receive control information and other appropriateinformation from remote control 114 (FIG. 1) by utilizing any effectiveinfrared transmission techniques. In certain embodiments, IR interface230 may also transmit infrared information to remote control 114. In theFIG. 2 embodiment, TV communication module 226 may optionally utilizelow/high-speed RF interface 234 to bi-directionally and wirelesslycommunicate with remote control 114 by utilizing any effective low-speedor high-speed RF transmission techniques at any appropriate frequencies.For example, in the FIG. 2 embodiment, high-speed RF transmissions mayoperate in the approximate range of 100 megabits-per-second. In certainembodiments, television 118 may utilize low/high-speed RF interface 234to transfer RC configuration information to remote control 114 during aremote control configuration procedure, as discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 1.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TV communication module 226 may utilize HDMI246 to effectively perform various data transfer operations for securelytransferring digital audio and video data. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TVcommunication module 226 may utilize Internet interface 240 to performany compatible network data-transfer procedures to any appropriate typesof distributed computer networks, including, but not limited to, theInternet. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, television 118 may utilize Internetinterface 240 to bi-directionally communicate with configuration server142 (FIG. 1). In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TV communication module 226 mayutilize STB interface 244 to effectively perform various types of datatransfer operations with STB 126 (FIG. 1).

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, TV communication module 226 may utilize TV NFCmodule 250 to effective perform various Near-Field Communications (NFC)operations to transfer appropriate electronic information. For example,in certain embodiments, television 118 may utilize TV NFC module 250 totransfer RC configuration information to remote control 114 during aremote control configuration procedure as discussed above in conjunctionwith FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, TV NFC module 250 may beimplemented in accordance with a known Sony FeliCa technology totransfer remote control configuration information to remote control 114.The implementation and utilization of television 118 are furtherdiscussed below in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIGS. 8 through 9C.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a TV memory 218 from theFIG. 2 television 118 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, TV memory 218 includes, butis not limited to, a TV application 318, a TV operating system 322, anRC configuration module 326, and a remote control image 330. The FIG. 3embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternateembodiments, TV memory 218 may be implemented using components andconfigurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of thosecomponents and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 3embodiment.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, TV memory 218 stores a TV application 318which includes program instructions that are executed by TV CPU 214(FIG. 2) to perform various functions and operations for television 118.The particular nature and functionality of TV application 318 typicallyvaries depending upon factors such as the specific type andfunctionality of the corresponding television 118. In the FIG. 3embodiment, TV memory 218 may also store a TV operating system 322 thatcontrols and coordinates low-level functionality of television 118.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, TV memory 218 may also include an RCconfiguration module 326 with program instructions that TV CPU 214executes to support various remote control configuration procedures toeffectively provide additional control functionality for remote control114, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1. In addition, incertain embodiments of the present invention, TV memory 218 may store aremote control image 330 for display upon display 222 of televisionsystem 110. RC configuration module 326 may then utilize the displayedremote control image 330 to assist the system user in determiningreconfigured control button functionality for remote control 114.Various techniques for supporting the utilization of a reconfiguredremote control 114 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG.8.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 remote control (RC) 114 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In alternate embodiments, remote control 114 may includecomponents and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain ofthose components and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 4 embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, remote control 114 includes a remote controlcentral processing unit (RC CPU) 414 that may be implemented to includeany appropriate and compatible microprocessor device. In the FIG. 4embodiment, RC CPU 414 preferably executes software instructions fromone or more applications programs to thereby control and manage theoperation of remote control 114. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, RC memory 418may be implemented to include any combination of desired storagedevices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, remote control 114 includes an RCcommunication module 426 that cooperates with RC CPU 414 to perform andcoordinate various types of bi-directional wireless and wiredcommunications between remote control 114 and other entities. The FIG. 4embodiment also includes a series of RC input/output interfaces that RCcommunication module 426 may utilize to receive and/or transmit anyrequired types of information. For example, in the FIG. 4 embodiment,the RC input/output interfaces include, but are not limited to, aninfrared (IR) interface 430, a low/high-speed radio frequency (RF)interface 434, and an RC Near-Field Communications (NFC) module 442.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, RC communication module 426 may utilize IRinterface 430 to send control information and other appropriateinformation directly to television 118 (FIG. 1) by utilizing anyeffective infrared transmission techniques. In certain embodiments, IRinterface 330 may also receive infrared information from television 118or other external entities. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, RC communicationmodule 426 may utilize low/high-speed RF interface 434 tobi-directionally and wirelessly communicate with television 118 or STB126 by utilizing any effective RF transmission techniques at anyappropriate low or high RF frequencies. In certain embodiments, remotecontrol 114 may utilize low/high-speed RF interface 434 to transfer RCconfiguration information from television 118 during a remote controlconfiguration procedure as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, RC communication module 426 may utilize RC NFCmodule 442 to effective perform various Near-Field Communications (NFC)operations to transfer appropriate electronic information. For example,in certain embodiments, remote control 114 may utilize RC NFC module 442to transfer RC configuration information from television 118 during aremote control configuration procedure as discussed above in conjunctionwith FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, RC NFC module 442 may beimplemented in accordance with a known Sony FeliCa technology totransfer remote control configuration information from television 118.Effective techniques for automatically reconfiguring remote control 114are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8 through 9C.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of the RC memory 418 from theFIG. 4 remote control 114 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, RC memory 418 includes,but is not limited to, an RC application 518, an RC operating system522, an RC configuration controller 526, and configuration information530. The FIG. 5 embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration,and in alternate embodiments, RC memory 418 may be implemented usingcomponents and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain ofthose components and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 5 embodiment.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, RC memory 418 stores an RC application 518which includes program instructions that are executed by RC CPU 414(FIG. 4) to perform various functions and operations for remote control114. The particular nature and functionality of RC application 518typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type andfunctionality of the corresponding remote control 114. In the FIG. 5embodiment, RC memory 418 may also store an RC operating system 522 thatcontrols and coordinates low-level functionality of remote control 114.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, RC memory 418 may also include an RCconfiguration controller 526 with program instructions that RC CPU 414executes to support various remote control configuration procedures toeffectively provide additional control functionality for remote control114, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1. In addition, incertain embodiments of the present invention, RC memory 418 may storeconfiguration information 530 that specifies various parameters for thecontrol functionalities of remote control 114. For example, in certainembodiments, configuration information 530 may include control codesthat remote control 114 transmits to control the operation of variousassociated devices.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 configuration server 142 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, configuration server 142 includes,but is not limited to, a server central processing unit (server CPU)612, a server memory 616, a display 618, input/output interface(s) (I/Ointerface(s)) 620, and one or more network interfaces 624. The foregoingcomponents of configuration server 142 may be coupled to, andcommunicate through, a server bus 628. In various embodiments,configuration server 142 may be implemented using components andconfigurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of thosecomponents and configurations discussed below in conjunction with theFIG. 6 embodiment.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, server CPU 612 may be implemented to includeany appropriate and compatible processor device that executes softwareinstructions to control and manage the operations of configurationserver 142. The FIG. 8 display 618 may include any effective type ofdisplay technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or aliquid-crystal display device. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, I/Ointerface(s) 620 may include one or more input and/or output interfacesto receive and/or transmit any required types of information to or fromconfiguration server 142. In addition, configuration server 142 mayinclude one or more network interfaces 624 to communicate with theInternet or other electronic networks.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, server memory 616 may be implemented toinclude any combination of desired storage devices, including, but notlimited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), andvarious types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks or harddisks. In certain embodiments of the present invention, variousconfiguration functions discussed herein with respect to configurationserver 142 may alternately be performed by television 118. Additionaldetails regarding the functionality and implementation of configurationserver 142 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and9A-C.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of the FIG. 6 server memory 616is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Inthe FIG. 6 embodiment, server memory 616 includes, but is not limitedto, server application software 718, a server operating system 722, anRC configuration manager 716, a locale lookup table (LUT) 730, a vendorlookup table (LUT) 734, an STB model lookup table (LUT) 738, and acontrol information lookup table (LUT) 742. In alternate embodiments,server memory 616 may be implemented using components and configurationsin addition to, or instead of, certain of those components andconfigurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, server application 718 may include programinstructions that are preferably executed by server CPU 612 (FIG. 6) toperform various functions and operations for configuration server 142.The particular nature and functionality of server application 718typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type anduse of the corresponding configuration server 142. In the FIG. 7embodiment, server operating system 722 controls and coordinateslow-level functionality of configuration server 142.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, configuration server 142 may utilize RCconfiguration manager 726 to support remote control configurationprocedures, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1. For example,in the FIG. 7 embodiment, RC configuration manager 726 may utilizeinformation from locale LUT 730, vendor LUT 734, STB Model LUT 738, andcontrol information LUT 742 to support remote control configurationprocedures. The effective utilization of lookup tables 730, 734, 738,and 742 by RC configuration manager 726 is further discussed below inconjunction with FIGS. 9A through 9C.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagram of an RC functiongraphical-user-interface (RC function GUI) 814 is shown, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 embodiment ispresented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, RCfunction GUI 814 may be implemented using components and configurationsin addition to, or instead of, certain of those components andconfigurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8 embodiment.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, television 118 (FIG. 1) may store a remotecontrol image 330 in a local TV memory 218 for presentation upon display222 of television 118. RC configuration module 326 may then utilize thedisplayed remote control image 330 to assist the system user indetermining reconfigured control button functionality for remote control114 after a remote control configuration procedure has been concluded.For example, RC function GUI 814 may advantageously be generated upon adisplay screen of display 222 for visually presenting to a system user agraphical representation showing an RC button array 818 from remotecontrol 114. RC button array 818 of the FIG. 8 embodiment is presentedfor purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, any otherappropriate configuration of buttons or other effective control meansare equally contemplated.

In various embodiments, the altered functionality of each of the buttonsor other control means on remote control 330 may be indicated on RCfunction GUI 814 by utilizing any appropriate techniques or methods. Inthe FIG. 8 embodiment, a system user may utilize remote control 114 toscroll to, or otherwise position, a cursor upon a desired button orother control means. In response, RC configuration module 326 oftelevision 118 may generate function descriptor 822 upon RC function GUI814 to indicate the particular functionality of that specific button asa result of the remote control configuration procedure. For example,function descriptor 822 may describe a special operational function ofSTB 126, such as “activate pay-per-view session.”

In certain alternate embodiments, RC function GUI 814 may simply providestatic descriptions for each of the new functions of RC button array818. Alternately, in embodiments in which remote control 114 can beswitched to different control modes that each corresponding to adifferent respective electronic device, the FIG. 8 function descriptor822 may present an itemized list of different control functions that aparticular button controls for the different respective devices. Inaddition, a currently-active control function on the itemized list maybe visually highlighted in any effective manner. RC function GUI 814therefore provides an effective means for a system user to determinechanged functionality of remote control 114 after a remote controlconfiguration procedure.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A through 9C, a flowchart of method steps forperforming a remote control configuration procedure is shown, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 9flowchart is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternateembodiments, the present invention may perform remote controlconfiguration procedures by utilizing steps and sequences other thancertain of those steps and sequences discussed in conjunction with theembodiment of FIGS. 9A through 9C. For example, the FIG. 9 flowchart isdiscussed in the context of configuring a remote control 114 to includeadditional control functionalities for a settop box 126 from atelevision system 110 (FIG. 1). However, in various alternateembodiments, various other types of electronic devices are equallycontemplated.

In the FIG. 9A embodiment, in step 914, the remote control configurationmode is entered in response to any predefined configuration triggerevent. For example, a remote control configuration procedure may beautomatically triggered when a television system 110 (FIG. 1) isinitially installed. Alternately, remote control configurationprocedures may be manually triggered by a system user in response to anyappropriate event or occurrence, such as the introduction of a differentsettop box 126 into television system 110.

In step 918, an RC configuration module 326 of television 118automatically logs into configuration server 126 (FIG. 1) by utilizingany appropriate techniques. For example, television 118 may transmit anetwork login communication, including an Internet Protocol (IP)address, to configuration server 126. In step 922, an RC configurationmanager 726 of configuration server 142 responsively reads the IPaddress of television 118, and then accesses a locale lookup table 730to determine a specific locale (approximate physical location) fortelevision 118 based upon its corresponding IP address.

In step 926, RC configuration manager 726 next accesses a vendor lookuptable 734 to determine one or more probable vendors for the particularsettop box 126 of television system 110 based upon thepreviously-determined specific locale of television 118. In step 930, RCconfiguration manager 726 of configuration server 142 notifies RCconfiguration module 326 of television 118 regarding the one or moreprobable vendors of settop box 126, based upon information from vendorlookup table 734.

In step 934, RC configuration module 326 of television 118 displays oneor more simple leading questions on a local display 222 (FIG. 1) toallow a system user to interactively confirm the actual vendor of theparticular settop box 126 in a non-demanding and user-friendly manner.The FIG. 9A process then advances to step 938 of FIG. 9B throughconnecting letter “A.” In step 938, the system user confirms the actualvendor of settop box 126 by utilizing any effective means. For example,the system user may utilize remote control 114 to respond to the vendorquestion(s) presented by television 118.

In step 942, the RC configuration module 326 of television 118 confirmsthe actual vendor of settop box 126 to the RC configuration manager 726of configuration server 142. In step 946, RC configuration manager 726responsively accesses a STB-model lookup table 738 to determineappropriate STB model information for the possible different settopboxes 126 based upon the actual vendor previously provided by television118. The settop box model information may include any relevant types ofinformation. For example, the settop box model information may includemodel numbers and digital images for the different types of settop boxessupported by the actual vendor at that specific locale.

In step 950, RC configuration manager 726 uploads the STB-modelinformation to television 118. In step 954, the RC configuration module326 of television 118 displays the received STB-model information ondisplay 222, and asks one or more simple leading questions to allow thesystem user to interactively confirm the actual model of settop box 126in a non-demanding and user-friendly manner. For example, in certainembodiments, television 118 may display, either sequentially orsimultaneously, the digital images for the different types of settopboxes supported by the actual vendor at that specific locale.

In step 958, the system user may then confirm the actual model of settopbox 126 in any effective and appropriate manner. For example, in certainembodiments, the system user may utilize remote control 114 to simplyselect the displayed digital image that resembles the settop box 126 oftelevision system 110. The FIG. 9B process may the advance to step 962of FIG. 9C through connecting letter “B.” In step 962, the RCconfiguration module 326 of television 118 confirms the actual model ofsettop box 126 to the RC configuration manager 726 of configurationserver 142.

In step 966, RC configuration manager 726 responsively accesses acontrol-information lookup table 742 to determine appropriate STBcontrol information for the actual settop box 126, as indicated by thesystem user through television 118. The STB control information mayinclude any relevant types of information. For example, in the FIG. 9Cembodiment, the STB control information may include, but is not limitedto, specific control codes to support various functions of STB 126 intelevision system 110.

In step 970, RC configuration manager 726 uploads the appropriateidentified STB control information to television 118. In step 974,television 118 then provides the received STB control information toremote control 114 by utilizing any appropriate transmission techniquesor methods. For example, television 118 may transfer the STB controlinformation to remote control 114 by utilizing appropriate low-speed orhigh-speed radio-frequency transmissions. In certain embodiments,television 118 may alternately transfer the STB control information toremote control 114 by utilizing appropriate Near-Field Communication(NFC) techniques, as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 4.

In step 978, an RC configuration controller of remote control 114 mayutilize the received STB control information to advantageously updateremote control functionalities of remote control 114 to thereby supportcontrolling both STB 126 and television 118. In step 980, the updatedfunctions of remote control 114 may be displayed in any appropriatemanner for review by a system user. Finally, in step 982, the systemuser may utilize the updated remote control functionality to effectivelycontrol STB 126. The FIG. 9 process may then terminate. For at least theforegoing reasons, the present invention thus provides an improved asystem and method for effectively performing a remote controlconfiguration procedure.

The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

1. A remote control for effectively controlling an electronic system,comprising: an RC application that controls a first device over a firstcommunications link, said remote control coordinating a configurationprocedure to allow said remote control to also control a second deviceover a second communication link, said remote control accessing controlinformation for adding control functions to said remote control duringsaid configuration procedure; and a processor that controls said RCapplication.
 2. The remote control of claim 1 further comprising aconfiguration server that said remote control interacts with to identifyand obtain said control information.
 3. The remote control of claim 2wherein said remote control communicates with said configuration serverover an Internet network, said second device being implemented as asettop box that receives electronic programming from a program source,said first device being implemented as a remote control that isconfigured to reproduce said electronic programming.
 4. The remotecontrol of claim 1 wherein said second device is alternately implementedas a cable-television settop box or a satellite-television settop box.5. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said configuration procedure isinitiated in response to a configuration trigger event that alternatelyincludes an initial setup procedure for said television or a replacementinstallation of said second device.
 6. The remote control of claim 2wherein said remote control automatically transmits a network logincommunication, including an IP address, to said configuration server,said configuration server responsively accessing a locale lookup tableto determine a specific locale for said remote control based upon saidIP address.
 7. The remote control of claim 6 wherein said configurationserver accesses a vendor lookup table to determine one or more probablevendors for said second device based upon said specific locale of saidremote control, said configuration server notifying said remote controlregarding said one or more probable vendors for said second device basedupon vendor information from said vendor lookup table.
 8. The remotecontrol of claim 7 wherein said remote control displays a vendoridentification question about said one or more probable vendors to allowa system user to utilize said remote control for interactivelyconfirming an actual vendor of said second device.
 9. The remote controlof claim 8 wherein said vendor identification question is formulated asa yes/no question for which said system user may respond either “yes” or“no.”
 10. The remote control of claim 8 wherein said remote controlconfirms said actual vendor of said second device to said configurationserver, said configuration server responsively accessing a model lookuptable to determine model information for possible devices supported insaid specific locale by said actual vendor, said configuration serverthen uploading said model information to said remote control.
 11. Theremote control of claim 10 wherein said model information includes modelnumbers and/or digital images for said possible devices supported bysaid actual vendor at said specific locale, said system user identifyingone of said digital images or said model numbers.
 12. The remote controlof claim 10 wherein said remote control displays said model information,said remote control also displaying a model identification questionabout said possible devices to allow said system user to utilize saidremote control for interactively confirming an actual model of saidsecond device.
 13. The remote control of claim 12 wherein said remotecontrol confirms said actual model of said second device to saidconfiguration server, said configuration server responsively accessing acontrol-information lookup table to determine control information forsaid actual model of said second device.
 14. The remote control of claim13 wherein said control information includes specific control codes tosupport adding said control functions to said remote control.
 15. Theremote control of claim 13 wherein said configuration server uploadssaid control information to said remote control, said remote controlresponsively providing said control information to said remote control.16. The remote control of claim 15 wherein said remote control receivessaid control information by utilizing low-speed or high-speedradio-frequency transmissions.
 17. The remote control of claim 15wherein said remote control receives said control information byutilizing Near-Field Communication techniques.
 18. The remote control ofclaim 15 wherein said remote control utilizes said control informationto update remote control functionalities of said remote control tosupport controlling both said second device and said first device. 19.The remote control of claim 1 wherein said remote control generates anRC GUI for visually presenting to a system user a graphicalrepresentation of said remote control and current control buttonfunctions of said remote control after said configuration procedure hasbeen performed.
 20. The remote control of claim 19 wherein said RCfunction GUI includes function descriptor popups to indicate currentcontrol functionalities of specific identified remote-control buttonsafter said configuration procedure has been performed.